Feast of the Apostle to the Apostles

It was announced on June 10, 2016 that Pope Francis decided to raise the celebration of the memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene (July 22) to the dignity of a liturgical Feast. In the modern Church calendar, saints may be commemorated with a memorial (which can be optional or obligatory), a feast, or a solemnity. The decree was signed on 3 June 2016, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart.

Mary Magdalene was the first witness to the Resurrection, and is the one who announced the event to the Apostles. She is an example of true and authentic evangelization; she is an evangelist who announces the joyful central message of Easter.

Pope Francis made his decision in the context of the Jubilee of Mercy to signify the importance of this woman who showed a great love for Christ and was much loved by Christ. Mary Magdalene was referred to as the Apostle of the Apostles - Apostolorum Apostola by Thomas Aquinas, since she announced the Resurrection to them, and they in turn announced it to the whole world. It is only right that the liturgical celebration of this woman should have the same grade of feast given to the celebration of the apostles in the General Roman Calendar, and shine a light on the special mission of this woman, who is an example and model for every woman in the Church.